Tech
The 3 AI Models Everyone’s Talking About—And What They’re Actually Good At
Between ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, AI models are everywhere—but most explainers feel like they’re written for tech bros or sci-fi fans. Here’s what you really need to know: these tools aren’t magic, but they can absolutely make life easier—from helping write better emails to breaking down dense information in plain English.
1. ChatGPT (OpenAI)
🧠 Best for: Everyday help, brainstorming, writing
💡 Version to use: GPT-4o (the free version uses GPT-3.5, which is fine—but GPT-4o is faster, smarter, and more accurate)
What it does well:
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Excellent writing, editing, and creative brainstorming
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Summarising dense text in a natural tone
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Polished email writing, caption ideas, and even travel planning
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Feels more “chatty” and human than others
Where it slips:
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Sometimes sounds overly confident, even when wrong
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Not always great with current events unless browsing is enabled
Who it’s for:
If you want an AI assistant that feels like a very smart (and occasionally eager) friend—this is it. Ideal for content creators, freelancers, students, and anyone trying to get unstuck on a task.
2. Claude (Anthropic)
🧘 Best for: Reading long documents, thoughtful writing, staying calm
💡 Version to use: Claude 3 Opus (in paid tier) or Claude 3 Sonnet (free)
What it does well:
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Handles long files beautifully—perfect for summarising PDFs, essays, or transcripts
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Polite, balanced tone that’s less robotic
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Especially good for sensitive topics or mental health-style writing
Where it slips:
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Doesn’t always nail creative or punchy writing
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Slightly slower on responses
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Limited tools compared to GPT-4o (no voice or image generation yet)
Who it’s for:
You want a calm, thoughtful assistant to help process information—not just answer questions. Claude is the AI equivalent of the chillest person in your group chat.
3. Gemini (Google)
🔍 Best for: Google-connected help, basic tasks, mobile-friendly use
💡 Version to use: Gemini Advanced (paid) or Gemini 1.5 Flash (free, quick)
What it does well:
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Seamlessly integrates with Gmail, Docs, and Calendar
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Great on Android devices and Google Workspace
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Fast responses, especially for short tasks
Where it slips:
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Struggles with creative writing and nuance
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Occasionally vague or dry
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Less powerful when not used inside Google’s ecosystem
Who it’s for:
If your life is already in Google—your email, files, everything—Gemini works in the background like a personal assistant you don’t have to train.
So… Which One Should You Use?
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For writing, ideas, and creative support: go with ChatGPT
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For analysing complex stuff and long reads: choose Claude
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For Google-native tools and fast answers: try Gemini
Each has free versions, so you don’t need to pay to find your match. The key is picking one that works with how you already live and work.
